While in Barcelona Thursday, “Dark Knight” star Christian Bale made the first public comments since his arrest in London earlier this week in connection with a complaint filed by his mother and older sister.

Publicity for Warner Bros.’ epic “The Dark Knight” unexpectedly blended with publicity star Christian Bale received after being arrested and questioned by London police in connection with assault allegations from his mother and sister.

Reports that Bale had lost his temper during some sort of discussion with his mother at his London hotel, where he was over the weekend in order to attend the European premiere of the film, took everyone by surprise, especially since the actor has been consistently reserved about his private life.

Recent information that has begun to surface indeed outlines “a deeply personal matter,” as the actor described it during a press conference in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday.

Initial reports said a discussion between Bale, 34, and mother Jenny Bale, 61, a former circus clown, had degenerated into an argument during which she said some “shocking” things about his wife of eight years, Sibi Blazic.

The actor reportedly lost all patience and answered right back.

This allegedly occurred Sunday night, at the Dorchester Hotel. Bale attended the European premiere of the film the following day. It was also the following day that Jenny Bale and Sharon Bale, the actor’s 40-year-old sister, filed their complaint at a Hampshire police station. The case was turned over to London police.

Christian Bale was arrested Tuesday and taken in for questioning. He was released on bail some four hours later, after being questioned. He is to return in September, pending further inquiry.

A statement released by his lawyers Tuesday said he denies the allegations and that he cooperated voluntarily with authorities.

Wednesday, he was in Barcelona for the film’s Spanish premiere and walked the red carpet with Sibi, signing autographs but refusing to answer questions from reporters.

“The Dark Knight” has continued its ascension at the box office unhindered by Christian Bale’s arrest, recording the biggest opening weekend in Hollywood history, with $158.3 million and becoming the fastest movie to top $200 million in U.S. box office history.